Interview: 5-Star 2020 DE/OLB Reggie Grimes Updates Oklahoma Official and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All collegiate football teams seek versatility in their players, and few high school recruits are as uniquely versatile as Ravenwood talent Reggie Grimes. Grimes has come up through the Tennessee high school varsity ranks as a defensive end/outside linebacker and running back who can also line up as a fullback/H-back and defensive tackle if needed. Grimes (6-3.5, 240) athletic talents has helped his Raptors squad to a 7-1 record this season going against 6A competition with an eye on a title run in 2019. Off the field, Grimes has earned five-star status (ESPN) for his play and over 20 scholarship offers. The field of potential programs has narrowed as has his available official visits.
To cover Grimes’ season to date with an update on his official visit to Oklahoma over the weekend and approaching announcement on Nov. 28, we got an in-depth conversation going.
*Click link for Aug. 4, 2019, RNG interview with Reggie Grimes
Interview
Reggie, how has the 2019 season gone for you so far?
“It has been good. We are 7-1. I’m at a new school, it has been great.”
The defense has been stout holding teams to 15 points per game, what are you guys doing well to put the hurt on other teams like that?
“We are good up front, and we can move up front. Our front seven is great. We have D-I guys who have potential to be great at the next level and guys who can cover in the secondary.”
Overall, how is the team looking?
“Our offense is dominating. There are games when we put up 21 points in the first quarter. They play fast and hard.”
Hard to tell what scheme you guys are running on defense this year, a 3-4 or a 4-3?
“We do both, but we are based out of 3-4. Sometimes we roll into 4-3.”
Where all are you lining up in the scheme?
“My coaches have me on the edge at either the 5 or 6.”
Which areas of your game are showing the biggest gains?
“My pass rush is a lot better. We are getting to the quarterback and stopping the run. My coverage is better this year too.”
Are teams attacking you in a certain way to take you out of the action?
“Sometimes I am double or triple-teamed. Sometimes they send a back to chip me. I still find a way to make plays. It is what it is.”
Of all the games played, which has been your best game this season?
“Pulaski Academy was my best (won 61-47). They are a team from Arkansas, a historically good team. We were out on the field for a long time, I think we ran 108 plays on defense. Their offense is like our offense, their defense is good too. We came out with a win. That game is my best based on how much I effected their quarterback and running back, plus the amount of plays we put in on defense. I also had a scoop and a score.”
Nice. What do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game?
“My strengths are my pass rushing. I am starting to dominate that in one-in-one situations each time. Another strength is stopping the run. I am taking on the double-teams and still making plays. Those are the areas I am really shinning at this season.”
When we last spoke you had narrowed down your Top 6 to a Top 5. Is your Top 5 still Alabama, FSU, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt?
“No. My new Top 6 is Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, South Carolina, Ole Miss, and FSU.”
Grimes’ Reported Offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, LSU, Memphis, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Pitt, Tulane, Purdue, Louisville, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Virginia, South Carolina, and Oregon
Are any teams coming in last minute trying to squeeze into the mix or have you sealed that out?
“I have sealed that off for now.”
Which schools have you taken official visits to so far?
“I have taken officials to Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Oklahoma this past weekend.”
Which schools will get your final official visit?
“FSU.”
Circling back to the Oklahoma visit, how did that go?
“It was great. It was eye opening. Their defense has gotten a lot better. They are making strides and they need more big-time play makers.”
How did the Alabama visit go?
“It was a great. We got up there, they were playing Southern Miss, because they were honoring my dad’s championship team. That was a fun weekend.”
And the South Carolina visit?
“That was my very first one. It was great. I did enjoy it up there. I went there over the summer, so there was no game, but that allowed for more time to settle down and relax and talk some ball.”
The last official visit is to FSU, do you plan on taking any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I am taking an unofficial visit to Alabama for their game against LSU on the 9th.”
You had set a Nov. 2 commitment date, has that changed?
“The date is now Nov. 28 – for Thanksgiving.”
How are you feeling about the process as the announcement nears?
“I feel good. I feel really good about how everything is shaping up and starting to close. When Thanksgiving comes, I will be ready to decide.”
Do you plan to let the program you are committing to know ahead of time?
“I do.”
How are you going to make the announcement public?
“We are not sure. I might do a video, but I have not decided on that yet, or an edit. We are still trying to decide how we will do the announcement.”
Reggie, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time and wish you and the team success going forward.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Grimes family; Reggie Grimes at Oklahoma and Alabama